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Arbeloa Unsure on Mbappe Timeline for Man City Clash Due to Knee Issue

Real Madrid faces uncertainty as star forward Kylian Mbappe remains a doubt for their upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester City due to an ongoing knee issue. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa refused to set a timeline, emphasizing the club's priority is Mbappe's complete recovery. Arbeloa also dismissed suggestions players might conserve energy for the World Cup, insisting total commitment to the club is paramount. Madrid prepares for a critical period of fixtures, trailing Barcelona in La Liga before the pivotal European tie.

Key Points: Mbappe Doubtful for Man City vs Real Madrid, Says Arbeloa

  • Mbappe's knee issue persists since December
  • Managed with selective rest
  • Priority is full recovery over deadlines
  • Arbeloa rejects players saving energy for World Cup
  • Madrid trail Barcelona in La Liga
3 min read

'Right now it's better not to give a timeline': Arbeloa unsure over Mbappe's availability for Man City clash

Real Madrid coach Arbeloa gives no timeline for Kylian Mbappe's return from a knee injury, casting doubt on his availability for the Champions League clash with Manchester City.

"Right now, it's best not to give any deadlines. - Alvaro Arbeloa"

Madrid, Mar 1

Fifteen-time UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid, have been dealt a big blow ahead of their highly anticipated round of 16 clash against the 2023 champions, Manchester City, as coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that their top goal scorer, Kylian Mbappe, remains doubtful for the match due to knee problems.

Mbappe has been dealing with discomfort in his left knee since before Christmas. Madrid have tried to manage the issue by resting him in selected games, including the defeat to Manchester City in December, the Spanish Super Cup semifinal and last month's LaLiga win over Real Sociedad.

Speaking to the media ahead of the weekend's La Liga fixture against Getafe, Arbeloa addressed the growing concerns surrounding Mbappe's condition. When pressed on whether the forward would be ready to lead the line against Pep Guardiola's side, he asserted that the club's top priority is Mbappe's recovery.

"Mbappe and the Champions League? We are going to take it day by day. It's a matter of seeing how he's feeling. Right now, it's best not to give any deadlines. We want to see how he feels, and we'll decide based on that," Arbeloa explained at the conference.

"It's very clear to us what's wrong and what we want now," "It's that Mbappe recovers totally from the discomfort, so he can come back at 100%, with complete confidence and security, when he feels totally recovered, and that discomfort has disappeared," he added explaining the club's stance.

Arbeloa also rejected suggestions that players might avoid taking risks during the season to stay fit for the upcoming World Cup.

"I gave everything I had for my club when I was playing, and then I gave my all when I was with my country. I don't understand players who save their energy, who don't get stuck in, who're thinking about doing anything other than giving their all for Real Madrid," the former Spain player said.

"That's how it will be in the next few months. There's no better way to go into a World Cup than performing well for your club," he added.

Madrid head into the Getafe game four points behind title rivals FC Barcelona, who beat Villarreal CF 4-1 on Saturday.

After hosting Getafe, Madrid will travel to Celta Vigo before facing Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 11. They will then play Elche CF on March 14, followed by the return leg in Manchester on March 17.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Arbeloa is right to prioritize his long-term health. One match, even against City, isn't worth risking a career. We saw what happened with Bale. Better to have him at 100% for the league run-in and hopefully the later UCL rounds.
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Aman W
As an Indian football fan, this is so disappointing! Was really looking forward to watching Mbappe vs Haaland. The Bernabeu clash was the highlight of the week. Now the excitement is halved 😕 Hope he recovers soon.
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Sarah B
Respectfully, the medical team's management seems reactive, not proactive. The "discomfort since before Christmas" should have been addressed more aggressively. Now they're in a crucial tie without their main weapon. Poor planning, in my opinion.
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Vikram M
Hala Madrid! The team is bigger than one player. This is a test of our squad depth. Time for players like Fede Valverde and Camavinga to own the midfield battle. We can beat City with teamwork and passion. 💪
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Karthik V
Good on Arbeloa for calling out players who save themselves for international duty. Club comes first, always. That's the Real Madrid ethos. Hope the message is heard loud and clear in the dressing room.

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